🌱 Picnic Day + New School Alert System + Unpaid Teachers Fight Back

Good morning, everybody! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Daily. Let's review the most important things happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and humid. High: 91 Low: 81.

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Here are the top three stories today in Dunedin:

1. Are you ready for International Picnic Day on June 18? Asa Mae Media has compiled a list of the top picnic destinations around Dunedin which includes some of our city's most notable beaches and parks. Why not try something different Saturday? Pack a lunch for the family and head to the Dunedin Causeway, Pioneer Park, Honeymoon Island, or any of our city's other scenic spots! (Asa Mae Media)
2. Schools within the Pinellas County School District are receiving high-tech enhancements over the summer months intended to protect students and staff from school shooters. The new alert system makes use of panic buttons, which alert local law enforcement of an active assailant. When activated, officers receive instant access to camera feeds, maps, and blueprints of the school involved. They also receive the ability to "remotely lock doors to contain a suspect or unlock doors to allow children and staff to flee a school building." Using a description of the suspect, officers can also use the cameras to pinpoint and track their location. Every school is expected to be equipped with the new alert system by August. (ABC Action News Tampa Bay)
3. Pinellas County teachers have filed a complaint about forced unpaid days off after testing positive for COVID. One example is Zayda Janiak, who teaches third grade at Belcher Elementary School. Janiak lost out on a week's pay when she got COVID and had run out of sick leave, despite having donated some of her PTO to a COVID sick bank. According to union executive director and labor lawyer Lindsey Blankenbaker, the district had violated its contract by forcing workers into unpaid leave without any due process. “We talked to the district several times in the beginning of May” to resolve the situation, Blankenbaker said. “The district insisted that it had no responsibility for paying people.” According to Tampa Bay Times, "the teachers union joined the support professionals association to file a class action grievance against the district" and an administrative hearing was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday. However, after they published this story, the district offered to update its sick leave agreement with the unions. (Tampa Bay Times - Subscription required)

Today in Dunedin:

• Prosperity Class at Unity Community Church (6 p.m.)
• Pre Short Film Dinner at The Honu (6 p.m.)
• Crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowls Meditation at Unity Community Church (7 p.m.)
• Dunedin Pride Movie Night at the Scottish American Society Hall (7:25 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Join Friends of the Hammock of Dunedin, Inc. for a day of removing invasive species in Hammock Park on June 18. The group will meet at 9 a.m. in the main parking lot by the playground. Those interested in volunteering should sign up online. (City of Dunedin via Facebook | Sign Up)
• Congratulations to all of the pets who were adopted from SPCA Tampa Bay last week! Adoptions included a parrot, two turtles, two guinea pigs, eight rabbits, 26 cats, and 31 dogs! (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• A Dunedin Pride store is popping up all over the city! You can find the shop at The Honu on June 15 between 5 and 7:30 p.m. or June 16 between 6 and 8 p.m. The pop-up will also be at Blur on June 17 between 9 and 11 p.m. (The Honu via Facebook)
• Looking to get involved with the city? Consider applying to become a member of the Dunedin Library Advisory Committee and study issues relative to the operation and capital expenditures of the library. Learn more about Dunedin's boards and committees on the city's website. (City of Dunedin via Facebook | Dunedin Gov)
• Dunedin Cares offers a big thanks to San Jose Elementary for their huge donation of feminine care products in support of the organization's Girl Power drive. The school donated 40 pounds of maxi pads and tampons! Consider making a donation to the drive which ends June 30. (Dunedin Cares via Facebook | Girl Power Drive)
• Kids had a blast at Giving Tree Music's drum circle event at the Dunedin Public Library! Check out their Facebook page to see photos and learn when the next events are happening. (Giving Tree Music via Facebook)
• Blur's annual Pride Show and Dance Party is this Friday, June 17 at 9 p.m. The night includes great music, several drag queen performances, and $6 Absolute shots. This is a 21+ event. (Blur Nightclub via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.